Water will cause rust on the metal surface, and for lubricating oil and grease, water will cause the oxidation and deterioration of the base oil in the oil, and the oxidation products contact with water again, and generate acidic substances to corrode the metal.

In addition, water will change the  oil oxidation metamorphism, the formation of sludge, will affect the viscosity and normal flow of oil, then lead to the lubrication problems. So the problem starts with a small amount of water, creates a chain effect, and eventually adds up to a huge amount of damage. This paper discusses the harm of moisture to bearing and its consequence and phenomenon from nine aspects

1. Hydrogen-induced cracking:

Also known as hydrogen embrittlement or hydrogen damage, can cause metal damage, but it has not been widely paid attention to in bearing manufacturing and maintenance. For this problem, water may be a part of the source of hydrogen, electrolytic and corrosion will also produce hydrogen, water will promote electrolytic and corrosion, high strength steel is particularly prone to this problem. In addition, the additives added to lubricating oil and grease contain sulfur (extreme pressure additives, antiwear agents and so on). Mineral oil itself also contains certain sulfur impurities, which can promote the corrosion and cracking of metals. Both moist atmosphere and free water can cause hydrogen embrittlement of metals.

2. Corrosion:

Water will cause metal rust and corrosion. After corrosion damage is formed on the surface of the bearing raceway, the smoothness of the lubricating oil film is destroyed, resulting in poor lubrication and further aggravating the damage.

3. Oxidation and deterioration of lubricating oil:

Water will cause the oxidation and deterioration of the base oil in the oil, and if high temperature and impurities (such as fine metal chips) are added, the oxidation rate will be significantly increased.

In addition, water can also cause the loss and consumption of antioxidants in lubricating oil, leading to oxidation and deterioration of lubricating oil. Oxidation of lubricating oil will form acid, paint film on metal surface, increase oil viscosity, lead to metal corrosion, affect metal cooling and the normal function of some parts

4. Additives in consuming oil:

The main component of lubricating oil and grease is base oil, as well as some additives. In addition to antioxidants, there are other additives such as antiwear agent, extreme pressure agent, rust inhibitor, dispersant, anti-emulsifier and so on. Water will cause additive hydrolysis, agglomeration, loss, some sulfur phosphorus extreme pressure agent in the case of water will denaturate, generate sulfuric acid or phosphoric acid, increase the acid value of oil, the formation of corrosive acidic environment.

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